ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking public comment regarding mowing and haying in ditches and other rights of way along state roadways.
The agency today announced it will conduct a series of
listening sessions across the state to hear from Minnesotans about their
concerns and wishes regarding mowing and haying. Listening sessions will be
held in the following communities:
Crookston
Oct. 30, 2017 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. University of Minnesota
Crookston – Bede Ballroom – 2900 University Ave., Crookston
Marshall Nov
8, 2017 – 6-8 p.m. Marshall Middle School – 401 South Saratoga Street,
Marshall
St. Cloud
Nov. 9, 2017 –
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
St. Cloud MnDOT
Conference Center, 3725 12th St. N., St. Cloud
Mankato
Nov. 14, 2017 – 6
– 8 p.m.
South Central
College – 1920 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato
Morris
Nov. 15, 2017 – 6
– 8 p.m.
U of M Morris
Conference Room, 600 E 4th St., Morris
Metro
Nov. 16, 2017 – 6
– 8 p.m.
Arden Hills
Training Center – 1900 County Road West, Shoreview
Brainerd/Baxter
Nov. 20, 2017 – 6
– 8 p.m.
MnDOT Baxter –
7694 Industrial Park Rd, Baxter
Detailed information on the listening sessions is
available at the project website. Additionally, concerned individuals who
cannot attend a listening session, are invited to submit a public comment via MnDOT’s
website: www.dot.state.mn.us
“This is a challenging issue,” said MnDOT Assistant
Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, who is heading the outreach and proposal
development work. “The right of way serves many purposes, all of them valid. We
want to ensure that we address all the needs, including the safety of roadway
users, as best we can. We need the public’s help to identify the best route to
follow.”
In late 2016, MnDOT sent out a news release reminding the
public that permits were required to mow and hay in state right of way and that
a new permit form was available, and announced the deadlines for permit
applications. Due to public concern, during the 2017 state legislative session,
the Legislature imposed a moratorium on permitting for mowing and haying on state
rights of way.
Legislators directed MnDOT to conduct public outreach and
develop a legislative proposal regarding mowing and haying in state right of
way.
